We couldn't have been more honored to be invited to tea with Wilhelmina by her daughter, Magdalena Wosinska. As the hours passed and the teacups emptied, she regaled us with stories of her work, her life, and her singular ability to absorb knowledge through exploring literature. After having a stroke five years ago that limited her mobility, Wilhelmina reads and devours books at a rate that makes it difficult for her daughters to recommend her anything she hasn't already read. Sounds like a true challenge — one that GALs particularly love.

Wilhelmina Wosinska

GAL: Would you say you have a first book you fell in love with, one that turned you into a life long reader?

WW:Freud's psychology books were the first books that actually stimulated me in reading around the time I was 18. Prior to that when I lived home with my parents, I was not able to read books before I went to bed because my mom told me to keep the lights off in my room due to the electricity bill being too expensive and in the day I was busy studying.

GAL:To you, what is the power of story? Describe some ways in which fictional narratives have impacted you and your life.

WW: I would often identify myself with the main female character and would like to be like her, but of course it was impossible. The power of story is getting an insight of other peoples lives, how they resolve problems, how they get to a better place, how they fulfill their desires. This is something you don't learn at school nor do your parents teach you about it.

GAL: How often do you read? Please estimate.

WW: Every day from morning to evening and at night. A total of 1,000 pages a week on average because after my stroke its difficult to do regular things. That is why I sit on my butt and read. But I do enjoy it and am passionate about it.

GAL: Do you have a current – or “forever” – favorite book?

WW:Trilogy of the 20th Century by Ken Follett.

GAL: How do you choose the books you read?

WW: Once I like the author, I get more books from the library by that person. And I find books via recommendations.

GAL: Who is your favorite author? If you would like to, please describe why.

WW: Ken Follett. He taught me a history of Europe which I was not taught at school in Poland, especially the Communist October Revolution in the Soviet Union. He also portrays women in a very special way. He makes them smart and strong while still very sexy. The flow of action is very fluent and harmonious.

GAL:We have a friend who has a “Sanity Shelf” dedicated to books she returns to again and again, to reread for pleasure, knowledge, and solace. What books would be on your Sanity Shelf?